How the Mint Julep Became the Signature Drink of the Kentucky Derby
Few things are as quintessentially Southern as the Kentucky Derby, and nothing pairs with the “Run for the Roses” quite like a frosty mint julep. But how did this simple cocktail of bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice become the unofficial (yet iconic) drink of the Derby? The story behind the julep’s rise to fame is as rich as its Southern roots.
A Southern Classic with Humble Beginnings
The origins of the mint julep trace back to the 18th century, long before Churchill Downs became the epicenter of horse racing culture. In the early days, the julep wasn’t even considered a leisure drink—it was often a morning tonic, believed to have medicinal qualities. Farmers and early risers would mix a bit of bourbon with mint to “freshen” their morning.
As bourbon distilling grew in popularity across Kentucky, so did the mint julep, eventually evolving from a rustic remedy to a symbol of Southern sophistication. The addition of crushed ice and silver cups helped elevate the drink into an elegant ritual, especially as ice became more accessible in the 19th century.
The Derby Connection
The Kentucky Derby began in 1875, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that the mint julep became firmly linked to the event. Around this time, Churchill Downs began promoting the cocktail more heavily, eventually making it the track’s official drink.
The turning point came in 1938, when the racetrack started selling mint juleps in souvenir glasses. This smart marketing move not only gave guests a keepsake but also turned the cocktail into a Derby tradition. Every year since, fans have eagerly awaited the annual glass design as much as the race itself.
A Modern Tradition
Today, nearly 120,000 mint juleps are served over Derby weekend at Churchill Downs. That’s over 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 1,000 pounds of mint, and 60,000 pounds of crushed ice—all for a two-minute horse race. The cocktail has become more than a drink; it’s a ceremonial toast to Southern culture, fashion, and tradition.
From the silver cups to the sprigs of mint, sipping a julep at the Kentucky Derby is like stepping into a living piece of Americana.
How to Make a Classic Mint Julep
If you want to bring a little Derby magic to your own gathering, here’s the traditional recipe:
Ingredients:
2 oz Kentucky bourbon
1/2 oz simple syrup
Fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
Instructions:
Gently muddle mint with simple syrup in a julep cup or rocks glass.
Add bourbon and fill the cup with crushed ice.
Stir until the cup is frosty.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
Whether you’re at the track in your finest hat or watching from home in your backyard, the mint julep is a timeless companion to the thrill of the Derby. Cheers to tradition—and a drink that’s stood the test of time.